Important Rules

There are several rules that deal directly with IOLTA and trust accounting issues:

• Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15 – 1.15C
  As of July 1, 2023, Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15B contains the core requirements related to IOLTA in Illinois. However, this rule should be read in conjunction with Rule 1.15 (which states lawyers’ general duties regarding safekeeping of property and client trust accounts); Rule 1.15A (regarding trust account recordkeeping); and Rule 1.15C (which contains definitions used in Rules 1.15, 1.15A, and 1.15B).
• Supreme Court Rule 756
  Under Supreme Court Rule 756, lawyers are required to report certain information about their client trust accounts as part of the annual attorney registration process. See Rule 756.

Resources

• ARDC Client Trust Account Handbook
  This handbook (PDF) from the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission provides detailed information on how to properly manage client trust accounts. The handbook includes answers to many frequently asked questions.
• Webcast
  Several on-demand CLE webcasts on trust accounting issues are available from the ARDC.
• Contact LTF
  Contact LTF with IOLTA-related questions:
  Terri L. Smith-Ashford, Deputy Director for Finance & Operations: 312-938-3001
  David Holtermann, Deputy Director for Grants & Policy/General Counsel: 312-938-3076
• Ethics Inquiry Program
  The ARDC’s Ethics Inquiry Program may be able to answer your trust account-related questions. The program can be contacted in Chicago (312-565-2600) or Springfield (217-522-6838).
• FAQs
  The ARDC has a list of FAQs regarding client trust account and IOLTA-related issues. A short collection of additional questions and answers is below.

IOLTA Questions & Answers for Lawyers

Do I need an IOLTA account?

If you handle nominal or short-term funds belonging to a client or third-person, you need an IOLTA account for their deposit.

How do I set up an IOLTA account?

Visit our page on Establishing an IOLTA Account for instructions and forms.

I already have an IOLTA account. Does Rule 1.15 require me to do anything further?

• You must follow all the requirements of Rule 1.15 and Rule 1.15B when holding property of clients and third persons. If you have a properly established IOLTA account, you should continue follow the requirements of Rule 1.15B(a) and (b) regarding when to deposit in an IOLTA account, and when to deposit them in a separate account with interest paid to the client.
• Through no fault of the lawyer, banks occasionally fail to properly establish an account as an IOLTA account. You can confirm that your bank has properly set up your IOLTA account and verify that the account is generating interest that is remitted to the Lawyers Trust Fund. You can also verify that your name or your law firm’s name is printed on checks drawn on the account, and that the account uses the Lawyers Trust Fund’s tax identification number.

I am licensed in more than one state. Do I need to use an Illinois IOLTA account?

• The location of your IOLTA account is determined not by where you are licensed, but by the state where your office is situated, where you practice, and where your clients reside or do business, unless otherwise directed by your client.
• For example, a Missouri lawyer whose sole office is in Missouri but who occasionally represents clients in Illinois need not establish an Illinois IOLTA account to handle client funds. However, the lawyer should handle client funds as required by the safekeeping of property rules in Missouri, including participation in that state’s IOLTA program as appropriate. In contrast, a lawyer or law firm with bona fide offices situated in both Florida and Illinois would require an IOLTA account in each state.

Whose name and taxpayer ID number go on the IOLTA account?

The proper taxpayer identification number (TIN) on an account is that of the Lawyers Trust Fund, not that of the lawyer or law firm. LTF does not publish its TIN online but it is available on request. The name on an IOLTA account (and any checks printed) should be that of the lawyer or law firm. The Lawyers Trust Fund is not the owner of the account.